A Conceptual Database Model for Spatial Analysis and Resource Managementin Karst

This paper explains a conceptual database model used to construct the database management system (DBMS) to investigate karst features. The conceptual model of the karst feature database (KFD) includes three interactive modules: spatial operation, spatial analysis, and hydrogeology modules. All three modules manipulate data from the central database, verify and update attribute values of karst feature data, and put meaningful results back to the database. A working database is developed to include many mapped karst features in Minnesota. The database is currently being expanded to include karst feature data and related geologic and geomorphic data in the Upper Mississippi Valley Karst and Appalachian Karst regions. Standardized metadata and management tools have been developed for this data model that will be beneficial for management and future study of karst features in the U.S. The U.S. Geological Survey, partnering with the National Cave and Karst Research Institute and many karst workers and state agencies, is producing a new national karst map of the United States. The new karst map is being compiled digitally and will be available as GIS data layer at a resolution of 1:1 million. This conceptual model, along with the national karst data network and karst information portal, offers a comprehensive metadata and a potential framework for integration of karst data sets of many resolutions from national to local scales.